Dog attack - what do we do?

[hanksmom]

We rescued a boxer about 18 months ago. He was our second rescue. He had shown some aggressive tendencies many ly at meal times with our other dog. Or people if you tried to intervene or move a food or treats. About a year ago we noticed he would snap if he was surprised. (My sister tried to take a ball away from him that he should r have had and he bit her). He has know bitten my husband twice (once requiring stitches). One time was after he had given him a treat. When DH sat down the dog walked over. When he went to pet him the dog growled, snapped, bit and scratched him. The dog also attacked my MIL when she tried to wipe off his muddy feet. He didn’t break the skin but did try. So far the only incident I had had with him was aggressive behavior after I scolded him for not listening. Tonight he was laying in our bed. I tried to pet him and he attaches me. He bit my forehead, lip, and scratched my leg and side. We know the surprising him is a trigger but a lot of things surprise him. We are deciding how to train him to fix the issue. We have 2 boys 10,14 who have friends over all of the time. I am so worried he will snap at one of them or another relative. Other than these types of incidents he is a good dog. Well trained, walks on a leash showing little interest in dogs around him.

Right now I am scared of him and of him being around the boys. He has begun refusing to get in his kennel. If you force
Him in he will try to attack your hand or you. Even prior to tonight was nervous to force him to do something bc he might snap. I know we could call the rescue and they will try to help. We are planning to take him to the vet tomorrow but I don’t think we can have him around they boys right now. What else can we try? Outside of this he is a sweet dog. But I am scared of him and for my family right now.

[Aquatica]

This dog is a lawsuit waiting to happen. I'm no animal expert but he's already bit 4 people, including yourself. I'd recommend separating him and contacting the rescue you got him from ASAP.

[winecat]

If everything checks out health wise at the vet, get a *good* behaviorist who is experienced with fearful and reactive dogs. The behaviorist should come to your house and be able to see how the dog is acting/reacting and what you all are doing that is contributing.

In the meantime, keep your kids and dog separated.

[woodgnome]

Get rid of the dog. Do not mess around with a dog who becomes aggressive like this with kids and their friends in the house.

[winecat]

May 14, 2019 1:09:31 GMT -5 woodgnome said:

Get rid of the dog. Do not mess around with a dog who becomes aggressive like this with kids and their friends in the house.

Please do not do this.  If you are honest, no other rescue or person will take him with this history.  The rescue you got him from should be the only place you contact.  If they won't take him and a behaviorist can't help, then he should be euthanized.

[winecat]

May 14, 2019 1:00:40 GMT -5 Aquatica said:

This dog is a lawsuit waiting to happen. I'm no animal expert but he's already bit 4 people, including yourself. I'd recommend separating him and contacting the rescue you got him from ASAP.

It's not unusual for people to not notice when they are ignoring warning signs from dogs which is why a behaviorist (not a trainer) is important in these situations.

So far, most of the times that this dog has caused damage to people it sounds like it hasn't come by complete surprise.  Taking a dog's ball/food/high value treat is a good way to get bitten.  Touching a dog's paws is also a good way to get bitten.  OP said she "scolded" the dog.  Did she scare him?  Probably and that's also a good way to get bitten.  There's not much background to what happened with OP's DH but given the other scenarios, I bet they are there too.  

[woodgnome]

May 14, 2019 1:15:18 GMT -5 winecat said:

May 14, 2019 1:09:31 GMT -5 woodgnome said:

Get rid of the dog. Do not mess around with a dog who becomes aggressive like this with kids and their friends in the house.

Please do not do this.  If you are honest, no other rescue or person will take him with this history.  The rescue you got him from should be the only place you contact.  If they won't take him and a behaviorist can't help, then he should be euthanized.

Just to be clear, I wasn’t suggesting that the OP should lie to get another rescue or person to take the dog. She should contact the rescue to take him.

[Aquatica]

May 14, 2019 1:20:13 GMT -5 winecat said:

May 14, 2019 1:00:40 GMT -5 Aquatica said:

This dog is a lawsuit waiting to happen. I'm no animal expert but he's already bit 4 people, including yourself. I'd recommend separating him and contacting the rescue you got him from ASAP.

It's not unusual for people to not notice when they are ignoring warning signs from dogs which is why a behaviorist (not a trainer) is important in these situations.

So far, most of the times that this dog has caused damage to people it sounds like it hasn't come by complete surprise.  Taking a dog's ball/food/high value treat is a good way to get bitten.  Touching a dog's paws is also a good way to get bitten.  OP said she "scolded" the dog.  Did she scare him?  Probably and that's also a good way to get bitten.  There's not much background to what happened with OP's DH but given the other scenarios, I bet they are there too.  

I agree. I thought the rescue would have some good advice/recommendations for the OP. Is separating good in this situation or should I edit my post? I don't want to give a harmful suggestion.

[expatjen]

We had a 2 year old cocker spaniel a few years ago. We adopted him as a puppy and he was raised with other dogs and my son in our home (he slept in the same room as my son and they were basically BFFs). Shortly after the dog turned 2, he started growling and getting feisty with our other dogs (a lab and an English fox hound). We eventually started separating the dogs.
He then started getting aggressive towards my son - growling, baring his teeth and lunging for DS whenever they were in the same room. He also became aggressive towards my nanny, who fed him his meals every day and gave him weekly baths. She and the dog were always together and got along great. The final straw for us was when he wouldn’t let my son walk into a room without acting aggressively. After talking to a few dog behaviourists and trainers, we ultimately decided to put our dog to sleep - we couldn’t risk him biting our son or anyone else in our household. Nor did we want to give him to another family with these known issues. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I love dogs and have always had one or more as part of the family. But I just couldn’t risk the dog biting my child or someone else.
I hope you can find a solution, along with the rescue you got the dog from. And while I hope the dog can be rehabilitated, I understand if you would decide to have him euthanised after his history of biting people.

[winecat]

May 14, 2019 1:45:07 GMT -5 Aquatica said:

May 14, 2019 1:20:13 GMT -5 winecat said:

It's not unusual for people to not notice when they are ignoring warning signs from dogs which is why a behaviorist (not a trainer) is important in these situations.

So far, most of the times that this dog has caused damage to people it sounds like it hasn't come by complete surprise.  Taking a dog's ball/food/high value treat is a good way to get bitten.  Touching a dog's paws is also a good way to get bitten.  OP said she "scolded" the dog.  Did she scare him?  Probably and that's also a good way to get bitten.  There's not much background to what happened with OP's DH but given the other scenarios, I bet they are there too.  

I agree. I thought the rescue would have some good advice/recommendations for the OP. Is separating good in this situation or should I edit my post? I don't want to give a harmful suggestion.

I’d definitely keep him away from the kids. As far as the adults go? That’s more difficult to say from this post. I’m concerned that the interactions sound negative for the dog. Are they forcing him into the kennel? So much sounds not good. He can be kept separate but not isolated with the help of baby gates. That might be a good thing until the vet, rescue, and behaviorist can help. I don’t want anyone getting more injured.

I have scars on my face from a dog attack that was entirely avoidable. The dog died and I have scars because the adults were careless. I understand how serious the situation is and that it’s not black and white.

[winecat]

May 14, 2019 1:48:03 GMT -5 expatjen said:

We had a 2 year old cocker spaniel a few years ago. We adopted him as a puppy and he was raised with other dogs and my son in our home (he slept in the same room as my son and they were basically BFFs). Shortly after the dog turned 2, he started growling and getting feisty with our other dogs (a lab and an English fox hound). We eventually started separating the dogs.
He then started getting aggressive towards my son - growling, baring his teeth and lunging for DS whenever they were in the same room. He also became aggressive towards my nanny, who fed him his meals every day and gave him weekly baths. She and the dog were always together and got along great. The final straw for us was when he wouldn’t let my son walk into a room without acting aggressively. After talking to a few dog behaviourists and trainers, we ultimately decided to put our dog to sleep - we couldn’t risk him biting our son or anyone else in our household. Nor did we want to give him to another family with these known issues. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I love dogs and have always had one or more as part of the family. But I just couldn’t risk the dog biting my child or someone else.
I hope you can find a solution, along with the rescue you got the dog from. And while I hope the dog can be rehabilitated, I understand if you would decide to have him euthanised after his history of biting people.

Depending on the adoption contract, they might have to give him back to the rescue. Euthanasia would be their decision.

[mrsukyankee]

Right now I'd get him into a muzzle to be kept on at all times (they can eat through many muzzles so look for one of those). I'd get a behaviourist in as well as take him to the vet to make sure there isn't anything wrong with him (pain can cause aggression).

[laterz]

I’ll reply tonight when I’m home from work (been there, done that)

I know it’s scary. You’re not alone. It sucks.

For now separate the dog from everyone else.

[cosmowife]

I’m so sorry. This is such a hard position to be in. Unfortunately, we went through something similar. After trying behaviorists, meds, training, etc., the dog had to be put down. Also unfortunately, the dog has left me with some issues. I now have a hard time being around dogs because I feel like they are going to snap and bite without warning, and I’m terrified to let my kids pet dogs.

[followyourarrow]

I would separate him until you can get some help for him. Hopefully the vet can help. Reach out to the rescue and contact a behaviorist. I also agree that a basket muzzle can be helpful, but talk to your vet about it.

[hanksmom]

Thank you all for the responses. I took something to sleep last night and just got the kids to school. Wow! My original post had so many errors- I guess that is what happens when you try to post on your phone after taking meds. 

For clarification - not to defend anything but because we really are trying to determine what to do. We have an appointment scheduled with our vet for later today. I am hoping that we find something that explains the changes because we love this dog so much. We will also call the rescue we got him from - it is a Boxer rescue - I am hoping they can suggest a trainer to work with that has experience with boxers. They are super smart and stubborn.

I think what scared me the most this time is that I didn't surprise him. He was laying in our bed and I had been laying with him for about an hour. I got up to go to the bathroom, when I got back in be I moved him (by getting in bed) and he jumped up snarling and bit my forehead. Even the last time with my husband and food it wasn't like he teased him or anything. He gave him a treat then sat down outside. About 3 minutes later the dog walked up to my husband and let him pet him. Then just freaked out. I'm not sure what the trigger is in all cases. Most of the food aggression is towards our other dog which we manage with feeding them apart, etc. 

We also no longer "force" him in his kennel. He would go into his kennel very easily for the first 9 months we had him. Then one day just stopped listening. My husband and I both work from home so they aren't in their kennels for long. We tried putting him on a leash and walking him to his kennel a few times after that. He would go in but as soon as you tried to shut the door he would attack the door/your hands. He isn't destructive in the house so we have been leaving him out. Looking back we should have done more then but he is stubborn and good in the house so we didn't think we "needed" to make him get in the kennel. 

He is a good dog. That is why this is so hard. He is sweet and loving. For the most part he listens. He walks on a leash and ignores everything around him. I think that is why the attacks are so hard. Because they seem to come out of the blue. I worry about one of the boys hugging him and it stirring him up. Or one of our friends or their kids petting him at the wrong time. I honestly cannot imagine trying to muzzle him. It scares me just thinking about it.

[imojoebunny]

Our dog started to become aggressive about 8 months of age, and it got progressively worse in the months that followed, despite being well socialized and treated kindly. He would snarl and snap at the kids, go after bikes, runners, other dogs, and strollers on leash. No matter how closely I paid attention, sometimes, someone would come up behind us, without me having time to see them, and even with a 4 foot leash he would try to bite. He bit me once going after another dog, and the clothes of a couple of people without showing any indication he was about to do it. I was at my wits end. DH wanted to get rid of him. With a combination of private training and Prosac, he is doing much better. He still will lunge at other dogs, and I am very careful, but he hasn't snarled at the kids in months, and he hasn't tried to bite a person, either. The prosac made a big difference within a month, and I have no plans to ever take him off of it because the difference is life changing for our dog. We also, make sure he gets exercise and a few minutes of training most every day. Our dog is a smaller dog, 25 pounds, so less likely to cause serious harm than a larger dog with a stronger jaw, though it is possible, so that is a consideration.

On the other hand, my BFF had a large dog that killed the cat, that she had been living with for years, she was an older dog, and my BFF had a 3 year old. Her options per the vet where to put her down, or keep her in the backyard, with a shed for night and cold, and that is where she spent her last 2 years, with my friend only letting her in the house, when her daughter was asleep and no one else was in the house. It sucked all around, but the dog was not a social dog, like mine is, who always wants to be with people, so the dog did ok with the arrangement. The dog you have is so young, this seems like an awful option.

I hope the vet has some ideas, and the rescue. Sorry you are in this spot.

[dexteroni]

Aw, I'm sorry you're in this situation. Separating him for everyone's safety and calling the rescue are the right steps to take. But I noticed you keep mentioning a trainer, and what you need is a behaviorist. That's who can help with this, so I just wanted to make sure you ask the rescue for the right kind of help (although a good rescue will know to recommend a behaviorist for this situation). I wish you the best of luck. 

[themoneytree]

I would be very afraid for your kids - I would contact the rescue you got him from and return him before something really dreadful happens to you, the kids and then the dog.

[Que?]

I’ve seen some amazing rehabilitation with aggressive dogs, including my own. The difference is that I didn’t have a child or other pets in my home, and I wasn’t working at the time so I had ample time and energy to train him. It was years of work.

My main fear here would be that he has gone for your face, which to me would indicate more than a warning ‘snap’. You mentioned the time your H, MIL, and yourself were attacked involved petting. I hope the vet checks today for an inner ear infection which can cause major pain and frustration, and cause your dog to act ‘surprised’ even if he sees it coming.

Good luck, I know this is hard. Sometimes, an aggressive dog is not your doing and not your problem to solve.

[gottadobe]

Google Dr. Ian Dunbar's Dog Bite Scale so when you call the rescue you can speak more clearly about the severity of the bites. The rescue absolutely needs to know what it going on with this dog sooner rather than later. I am not a proponent of leaving dogs and children alone together, but if I couldn't even relax being in the same room with them - inches away even, the dog would no longer live with us. Good luck and I hope he can be rehabilitated and go on to live a happy dog life with your family!

[hanksmom]

May 14, 2019 10:43:48 GMT -5 gottadobe said:

Google Dr. Ian Dunbar's Dog Bite Scale so when you call the rescue you can speak more clearly about the severity of the bites. The rescue absolutely needs to know what it going on with this dog sooner rather than later. I am not a proponent of leaving dogs and children alone together, but if I couldn't even relax being in the same room with them - inches away even, the dog would no longer live with us. Good luck and I hope he can be rehabilitated and go on to live a happy dog life with your family!

I read his website last night. We have a call in to the rescue. Thank you!

[twilightmv]

You want my answer as an insurance person?
You probably already know it.

[redheadbaker]

Your dog is resource guarding food, among other issues. You need a behaviorist.

[fivechickens]

May 14, 2019 10:33:58 GMT -5 themoneytree said:

I would be very afraid for your kids - I would contact the rescue you got him from and return him before something really dreadful happens to you, the kids and then the dog.

This is what I would do.

Like another poster mentioned, I wouldn’t leave a dog alone with a child but I would want to feel safe waking from the livingroom to the kitchen for 5 minutes without worrying about what the dog might so in that time.

[sapphireblue]

You have gotten great advice already and it sounds like you are taking some great steps.

I'm just weighing in on the basket muzzle--my dogs both wear one when my children are around. They can both sleep, drink water, and bark with one on. They could eat with one on as well but we remove them for food and also of course when my kids aren't there.

I personally would put one on your dog all of the time until you meet with the behaviorist, because it sounds really uncomfortable to be living with that kind of apprehension around your dog. At a minimum, I would do it when your kids are there, and especially when their friends are there.

[neonpink]

I'm sorry you are going through this. When I was in college I rescued a corgi. She was fine until one day after a walk I leaned down to remove her harness and lead and she turned around and bit my hand drawing blood and damaging my hand. I had grown up with dogs all my life and had never been bitten before. I realized I couldn't own a dog I was afraid of, or nervous that she would bite someone else. I called the rescue and returned her. I hope someone helped her out. I know she had been with the rescue family for awhile.

[laterz]

hanksmom, How did your vet visit go?

[hanksmom]

May 15, 2019 18:28:22 GMT -5 laterz said:

hanksmom , How did your vet visit go?

He has been twice... The first time he was clearly very anxious. He snapped at the vet tech after we had been in the room a while. Our vet didn't want to force an exam and we didn't know if we could get a muzzle on him. She prescribed some anxiety meds and asked us to come back yesterday. We did that but he was still pretty keyed up and not as "sedated" as we thought. We discussed trying to put a muzzle on but she doesn't want him to associate or have a stressful experience at the vet. We decided to continue the anxiety meds for the next couple days (she is only in a couple days a week and we worried about Friday and Monday being busy at the vet office or trying a different vet at this point). We are going to give him a larger dose of the meds and take him next week. 

She has also recommended a behavorist to work with and we have an appointment with him this week. So, right now we are giving meds and keeping him separate from the boys. I am trying not to be too "nervous" around him because I don't think that helps. Thank you for asking. Hopefully, we will have some answers after next week.

[pinkdutchtulips]

May 14, 2019 10:57:37 GMT -5 twilightmv said:

You want my answer as an insurance person?
You probably already know it.

i do in-house claims litigation and one of my cases involves a dog bite, unprovoked.

the dog is no longer a part of that household.